The uniqueness of subjective ageing: convergent and discriminant validity

Although a large body of research has demonstrated the predictive power of subjective ageing for several decisive developmental outcomes, there remains some controversy about whether subjective ageing truly represents a unique construct. Thus, information about the convergent and discriminant validity of different approaches to measuring subjective ageing is still critically needed. Using data from the 2014 wave of the German Ageing Survey, we examined how three established subjective ageing measures (subjective age, global attitude toward own ageing, multidimensional ageing-related cognitions) were inter-related as well as distinct from general dispositions (optimism, self-efficacy) and well-being (negative affect, depressive symptoms, self-rated health). Using correlational and multivariate regression analysis, we found that the three subjective ageing measures were significantly inter-related (r = |.09| to |.30|), and that each measure was distinct from general dispositions and well-being. The overlap with dispositional and well-being measures was lowest for subjective age and highest for global attitudes towards own ageing. The correlation between global attitudes towards own ageing and optimism was particularly striking. Despite the high convergent validity of the different dimensions of ageing cognitions, we nevertheless observed stronger associations between specific dimensions of ageing cognitions with negative affect and self-rated health. We conclude that researchers should be aware of the multidimensional nature of subjective ageing. Furthermore, subjective age appears to be a highly aggregated construct and future work is needed to clarify its correlates and reference points.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s10433-019-00529-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Successful ageing by whose definition? Views of older,spiritually affiliated women

Objectives: Researchers have pointed to significant omissions in Rowe and Kahn's model of successful ageing and their lack of consultation with older people. This study examined late mid‐life and older women's views of successful ageing. Methods: In‐depth interviews were conducted with 14 women aged 60–89 years. Participants who identified themselves as spiritual and religious, or spiritual only and not religious, were recruited using the ‘snowball technique’. Thematic analyses were conducted within an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis framework. Results: Participants described multiple dimensions of successful ageing with 15 subthemes grouped into three overarching categories of personal agency, social value and quality of life/quality of death. Conclusions: Participants’ multidimensional views of successful ageing were broader than Rowe and Kahn's model and included the need to have a degree of autonomy over the place and manner of the last phase of life and final days (successful dying).      

The free-living flatworm Macrostomum lignano: A new model organism for ageing research

To study the several elements and causes of ageing, diverse model organisms and methodologies are required. The most frequently used models are Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster and rodents. All have their advantages and disadvantages and allow studying particular aspects of the ageing process. During the last few years, several ageing studies focussed on stem cells and their role in tissue homeostasis. Here we present a new model organism which can study this relation where other model systems fail. The flatworm Macrostomum lignano possesses a dynamic population of likely totipotent somatic stem cells known as neoblasts. Several characteristics qualify M. lignano as a suitable model system for ageing studies in general and more specifically for gaining more insight in the causal relation between stem cells, ageing and rejuvenation. In this review, we will briefly describe the species and its life history, and discuss the role of its stem cells in ageing and rejuvenation. We also give an overview of the available experimental tools that allow a multidisciplinary approach for studying ageing in M. lignano.     

Relations between views on ageing and perceived age discrimination: a domain-specific perspective

This study investigates the relation between age stereotypes and perceived age discrimination. Existing evidence for such a relation is notoriously ambiguous with regard to its direction—age stereotypes can predict (perceived) discrimination, but experiencing discrimination may also change views on ageing—which is why we used a dataset with two waves to disentangle the direction of the associations. Considering research on the multi-dimensionality of views on ageing and perceived age discrimination, we addressed this question from a domain- and age group-specific perspective. Drawing on data from two measurement points of the German Ageing Survey (DEAS; t ₁: 2008, t ₂: 2011; age range at t ₁: 40–93 years, n = 6092 participants at t ₁), we examined reciprocal relations between views on ageing and perceived age discrimination. Cross-lagged models revealed that domain-specific views on ageing predict subsequent changes in perceived discrimination in corresponding domains: Negative views on ageing regarding personal competence, physical decline, and social interactions were associated with increases in perceived discrimination in the domains of work, medical care, and social life, respectively. However, we did not find evidence for a reciprocal effect of perceived age discrimination on views on ageing. In sum, results indicate that negative views on ageing act as self-fulfilling prophecies by predisposing people to categorize other people’s behaviour as age discrimination or to act themselves in a way that might elicit ageist behaviour in others.     

Population ageing in Sweden: the effect of change in educational composition on the future number of older people suffering severe ill-health

We investigate how expected changes in the educational level composition of the older population may affect future prevalence of severe ill-health among older people in Sweden. Previous research has indicated that the number of older people, given educational differentials in mortality and expected changes in educational composition during the next decades, may increase more than expected following official population projections in Sweden. Eight alternative scenario projections for the possible development in the number of people with severe ill-health in Sweden between 2000 and 2035 are presented. Scenario projections, where both morbidity and mortality inequalities by educational level are taken into account, are compared with scenarios in which only age and gender are modelled. The projections are made with both constant and decreasing mortality. The calculations show that the expected increases in severe ill-health as a result from the ageing of the population in the period 2000–2035 might, to a large extent, be counteracted by the increase in the educational level of the Swedish population. We recommend therefore that in projections of the prevalence of ill-health, in addition to the ageing of the population, also changes in educational level should be taken into account.

Views on ageing: a lifespan perspective

Views on ageing (VoA) have special relevance for the ageing process by influencing health, well-being, and longevity. Although VoA form early in life, so far, most research has concentrated on how VoA affect later middle-aged and older adults. In this theoretical article, we argue that a lifespan approach is needed in order to more fully understand the origins of VoA, how they change over ontogenetic time, and how they shape development across the full breadth of the lifespan. We begin by explicitly linking VoA to fundamental principles of lifespan development. We review existing theories of VoA and discuss their respective contributions and limitations. We then outline a lifespan approach to VoA that integrates existing theories and addresses some of their limitations. We elaborate on three core propositions of a lifespan approach to VoA: (1) VoA develop as the result of a dynamic, ongoing, and complex interaction between biological-evolutionary, psychological, and social-contextual factors; however, the relative importance of different sources changes across the lifespan; (2) VoA impact development across the whole lifespan; however, different outcomes, mechanisms, and time frames need to be considered in order to describe and understand their effects; and (3) VoA are multidimensional, multidirectional, and multifunctional throughout life, but their complexity, meaning, and adaptivity change across the lifespan. We conclude with recommendations for future lifespan research on VoA.     

Successful ageing in the oldest old: objectively and subjectively measured evidence from a population-based survey in Germany

Despite rapid increase of people aged 80 and over, concepts of successful ageing (SA) are primarily examined for people below that age. Therefore, successful ageing was examined in a population-based representative sample of N = 1863 people aged 80 to 102 (NRW80+) with 11% living in institutionalized settings. In this survey on quality of life and well-being, multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to calculate the distribution of successful agers. According to Rowe and Kahn’s objective definition, 9% of the sample aged successfully, but one-third (33%) still met four to five SA criteria. This is in line with the theoretical a priori criterion of 10% in a normal distribution of a sample, while 80% age normally and 10% pathologically. However, averages of life satisfaction, affective well-being, positive ageing experience and valuation of life were high. The majority of the oldest old (65%) are successful agers in their own subjective perception, which is not in line with objective measurements. Moreover, 11% of objectively measured successful agers do not meet subjective criteria. These empirical findings reveal a remarkable discrepancy between objective and subjective criteria of SA. Future research on concepts that define successful ageing for the oldest old should consider more holistic markers of success, e.g., outcomes of productive social engagement.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10433-021-00609-7.     

Contribution of Lifestyle to Positive Ageing in Hong Kong

The Objective of this study is to examine the knowledge, use, and development of a healthy lifestyle, and the association with positive ageing, in a convenient sample of 2,970 community-living Hong Kong Chinese People aged 40–74 years stratified by age. A questionnaire containing items from these three domains (avoidance of disease, physical and cognitive functioning, engagement with life) was administered from which a positive ageing index was calculated. A lifestyle score was calculated from information regarding current knowledge, use, and development of a healthy lifestyle (relating to diet, exercise rest and relaxation, smoking habit and alcohol use). The association between lifestyle score and the positive ageing index was weaker compared with income and education level. We conclude that knowledge, use and development of a healthy lifestyle did not contribute greatly to the positive ageing process.

Effective implementation approaches for healthy ageing interventions for older people: A rapid review

Background and objectivesSystematic reviews on healthy ageing interventions have primarily focused on assessing their effectiveness, not the implementation processes underpinning them, and the factors influencing program effectiveness. This has created a knowledge gap about what are effective implementation approaches, and how to scale up such interventions at the population level. Our aim in this rapid review was to synthesise the evidence on implementation of effective healthy ageing interventions, and to identify the factors that influence population-level implementation of these interventions.Design and methodsFollowing the PRISMA checklist, we searched for papers in six databases: Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycArticles and PsycINFO. A narrative synthesis was used to summarise the results.ResultsTwenty-nine articles reporting on 21 healthy ageing interventions (studies) were included in the review. The findings show that a wide range of approaches to implementation were used including collaborative partnership, co-design, use of volunteers, person centred-care, and self-directed/professional-led approaches. The key implementation drivers were the use of behavioural change techniques, social interaction, tailoring of interventions, booster sessions, and multi-component and multi-professional team approach to intervention design and delivery.ConclusionThe effectiveness of healthy ageing interventions is contingent on a number of factors including the type of implementation approaches used, the context in which programs are implemented, and the specific mechanisms that may be at play at the individual older adult level.     

How to understand and improve older people’s self-management of wellbeing

This paper addresses the question of how older people can be supported to actively self-manage their own process of ageing such that overall wellbeing is achieved and maintained for as long as possible. Starting from a resource-based approach, a new theory of self-management of wellbeing (SMW theory) is proposed, and it is shown how it can be used as a basis for the design of self-management interventions for ageing successfully. The main aspects of the theory, i.e. six key self-management abilities and the core dimensions of wellbeing, are presented as well as the theory-based ‘blueprint’ for the design of interventions. Empirical results of two intervention studies are briefly presented and show that the SMW theory may be a useful tool for the design and evaluation of interventions for successful ageing.

Effects of age simulation suits on psychological and physical outcomes: a systematic review

Age simulation suits (ASS) are widely used to simulate sensory and physical restrictions that typically occur as people age. This review has two objectives: first, we synthesize the current research on ASS in terms of the observed psychological and physical effects associated with ASS. Second, we analyze indicators able to estimate the validity of ASS in simulating “true” ageing processes. Following the PRISMA guidelines, eight electronic databases were searched (BASE, Cinhal, Cochrane, Google Scholar, ProQuest, PsychINFO, Pubmed, and Web of Science). Qualitative and quantitative studies addressing effects of ASS interventions regarding psychological outcomes (i.e., empathy, attitudes) or physical parameters (i.e., gait, balance) were included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was applied for quality assessment. Of 1890 identified citations, we included 94 for full-text screening and finally 26 studies were examined. Publication years ranged from 2001 to 2021. Study populations were predominantly based on students in health-related disciplines. Results suggest that ASS can initiate positive effects on attitudes toward (d_weighted = 0.33) and empathy for older adults (d_weighted = 0.54). Physical performance was significantly reduced; however, there is only little evidence of a realistic simulation of typical ageing processes. Although positive effects of ASS are supported to some extent, more diverse study populations and high-quality controlled designs are needed. Further, validation studies examining whether the simulation indeed reflects “real” ageing are needed and should build on reference data generated by standardized geriatric assessments or adequate comparison groups of older adults.Prospero registration: 232686.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10433-022-00722-1.     

First Exploratory Study on the Ageing of Rammed Earth Material

Rammed earth (RE) is attracting renewed interest throughout the world thanks to its “green” characteristics in the context of sustainable building. In this study, the ageing effects on RE material are studied on the walls which have been constructed and exposed for 22 years to natural weathering. First, mechanical characteristics of the “old” walls were determined by two approaches: in-situ dynamic measurements on the walls; laboratory tests on specimens which had been cut from the walls. Then, the walls’ soil was recycled and reused for manufacturing of new specimens which represented the initial state. Comparison between the compressive strength, the Young modulus of the walls after 22 years on site and that of the initial state enables to assess the ageing of the studied walls.     

Determinants of life satisfaction and self-perception of ageing among elderly people in China: An exploratory study in comparison between physical and social functioning

ObjectiveThis study attempted to figure out the difference between physical and social functioning in determining life satisfaction and self-perception of ageing among community-dwelling elderly people in China.MethodsA representative random sample of 2161 participants aged 60 years or older was surveyed by face-to-face interview. Sociodemographic factors were measured by age, educational level, and marital status. Physical functioning was identified in terms of self-perceived health, basic and instrumental activities of daily living, and number of chronic illnesses. Social functioning was characterized in terms of number of people living together, social support network, and sense of loneliness. Hierarchical multiple linear regressions were performed to identify significant determinants of life satisfaction and self-perception of ageing.ResultsOlder age and lower educational level were related to higher degree of life satisfaction; whereas younger age and higher educational level were related to higher level of self-perception of ageing. Social functioning took precedence over physical functioning in contributing to life satisfaction. In contrast, physical functioning outweighed social functioning in promoting a positive self-perception of ageing.ConclusionA sense of companionship and a supportive social network are vital in enhancing life satisfaction, whereas perceived physical health and functional independence are essential in facilitating a positive self-perception of ageing. Understanding the underlying determinants can provide a novel insight into the mechanism involved in achieving successful ageing.     

Knowledge,stereotyping and attitudes towards self ageing

Objectives: The Reactions to Ageing Questionnaire (RAQ) was developed in Australia in order to measure attitudes to personal or self ageing. A two-country project assessed the relationships between attitudes to self ageing and measures of misconceptions and stereotyping of older people. Method: Researchers in Australia and the United Kingdom administered to nursing samples the Reactions to Ageing Questionnaire, Facts about Aging Quiz and Aging Semantic Differential, along with a page of demographic questions. Results: Results indicated patterns of stereotyping and misconception about older people that were similar across two countries. In the main, views were negative and devalued older people in their personal attributes and capabilities. Significant correlations extended across two countries, indicating that attitudes to self ageing as measured by the RAQ were significantly associated with measures of misconception and stereotyping of older people. Conclusion: It was concluded that urgent attention is required to address negative attitudes and to develop strategies for addressing ageism among nurses.     

Kogan’s Attitude toward Old People scale revisited: Psychometric properties and recommendations

Population ageing is one of the present and future challenges in the European context. In addition to age-related changes, negative and judicious attitudes by society are also prevalent. Therefore, there is a need for reliable instruments to evaluate attitudes toward ageing. In this vein, the present research aims to provide a reliable version of the Kogan’s Attitudes toward Older People scale adapted to the Spanish context. In a sample from the academic community (N = 163), we evaluated the reliability, the psychometric properties, and the internal consistency of a version of Kogan’s scale translated into Spanish. The results showed a reliable short version of the scale with adequate psychometric properties and two factors: positive and negative. Moreover, the correlates with similar measures of attitude toward older people proved external validity measures by the short scale. The implications and contributions to the geriatric population are discussed.     

The Drosophila orthologue of progeroid human WRN exonuclease, DmWRNexo, cleaves replication substrates but is inhibited by uracil or abasic sites

Werner syndrome (WS) is a rare late-onset premature ageing disease showing many of the phenotypes associated with normal ageing, and provides one of the best models for investigating cellular pathways that lead to normal ageing. WS is caused by mutation of WRN, which encodes a multifunctional DNA replication and repair helicase/exonuclease. To investigate the role of WRN protein’s unique exonuclease domain, we have recently identified DmWRNexo, the fly orthologue of the exonuclease domain of human WRN. Here, we fully characterise DmWRNexo exonuclease activity in vitro, confirming 3′–5′ polarity, demonstrating a requirement for Mg²⁺, inhibition by ATP, and an ability to degrade both single-stranded DNA and duplex DNA substrates with 3′ or 5′ overhangs, or bubble structures, but with no activity on blunt ended DNA duplexes. We report a novel active site mutation that ablates enzyme activity. Lesional substrates containing uracil are partially cleaved by DmWRNexo, but the enzyme pauses on such substrates and is inhibited by abasic sites. These strong biochemical similarities to human WRN suggest that Drosophila can provide a valuable experimental system for analysing the importance of WRN exonuclease in cell and organismal ageing.     

Accelerated ageing and renal dysfunction links lower socioeconomic status and dietary phosphate intake

BackgroundWe have sought to explore the impact of dietary Pi intake on human age related health in the pSoBid cohort (n=666) to explain the disparity between health and deprivation status in this cohort. As hyperphosphataemia is a driver of accelerated ageing in rodent models of progeria we tested whether variation in Pi levels in man associate with measures of biological ageing and health.ResultsWe observed significant relationships between serum Pi levels and markers of biological age (telomere length (p=0.040) and DNA methylation content (p=0.028), gender and chronological age (p=0.032). When analyses were adjusted for socio-economic status and nutritional factors, associations were observed between accelerated biological ageing (telomere length, genomic methylation content) and dietary derived Pi levels among the most deprived males, directly related to the frequency of red meat consumption.ConclusionsAccelerated ageing is associated with high serum Pi levels and frequency of red meat consumption. Our data provide evidence for a mechanistic link between high intake of Pi and age-related morbidities tied to socio-economic status.     

Age-dependent changes in phenotypes and candidate gene analysis in a polygenic animal model of Type II diabetes mellitus; NSY mouse

Aims/hypothesis. The Nagoya-Shibata-Yasuda (NSY) mouse closely mimics human Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus in that the onset is age-dependent, the animals are not severely obese, and both insulin resistance and impaired insulin response to glucose contribute to disease development. The aim of this study was to clarify the influence of age on the pathogenesis of diabetes and to analyse a candidate gene for Type II diabetes in this strain.¶Methods. Several phenotypic characteristics related to diabetes mellitus were monitored longitudinally in male NSY and control C3H/He mice. The nucleotide sequence of Glut4, a candidate gene for Nidd1nsy (a susceptibility gene for Type II diabetes) on Chromosome 11, encoding insulin-sensitive glucose transporter, was determined in NSY and C3H mice.¶Results. Glucose intolerance worsened with age, and fasting blood glucose and fasting plasma insulin concentration increased with age in NSY mice. Pancreatic insulin content increased until 24 weeks of age but then decreased at 48 weeks of age in NSY mice. The hypoglycaemic response to insulin was statistically significantly smaller in NSY than in C3H/He mice. The nucleotide sequence of GLUT4 cDNA was identical in NSY and C3H/He mice, but both were different from the sequence reported previously.¶Conclusion/interpretation. Insulin secretion and insulin resistance, as well as ageing possibly play an important part in the disease development in NSY mice. A decline of pancreatic insulin content in older age might cause the relative insulin deficiency in this strain. Nucleotide sequencing suggests that Glut4 is unlikely to be a candidate gene for Nidd1nsy. [Diabetologia (2000) 43: 932–938]     

Determining priorities for research in ageing: A community survey

Objectives: This paper reports the culmination of a local process of priority setting for ageing research. Methods: A cross‐sectional random community mailout was conducted across 1500 Hunter region, Australia, households during 2001, using the modified Dillman procedures. The survey included 38 research topics and priority items. Research priorities were grouped according to factors identified by factor analysis. Results: There were 694 respondents. Four research priority factors were identified: age‐related diseases, symptoms and problems of ageing, lifestyle factors, and mental and social issues of ageing. Top‐rating priorities were stroke, dementia, heart disease and cancer. Overall, more women and older people (65+ years) ranked items as very important. Lifestyle factors were mentioned most often as the most important health and social issues facing older people. Conclusions: Community views should be considered where evidence and researcher interest can support this.